(Before we start, I want to tell you that there are two references hidden in this chapter that are very easy to discover. The first one who finds them, is going to get tagged in the next chapter with a random pic from the internet... Come on UnusualSamurai, I know you want it xD)

(No ones POV)

After the attack of the crystal gems to your temple, you made sure to reinforce the security to avoid that this situation is repeated. Now the quartz soldiers and the topaz guards are more active. But today was a little different from the other days. You left the temple with the excuse of saying "I'm going to find Rose Quartz and destroy our enemy once and for all". But what nobody knew was that finally the day to give your answer to Pink Diamond had arrived. That's why you couldn't take anyone with you. Pink's secret had to be kept hidden from the others. Otherwise, this could cause the entire fall of the diamonds hierarchy and start a war worse than the rebellion of the crystal gems. When you left your temple, you left Ash in charge of the security of the place. Even to her discontent, Ash accepted your conditions as long as you stayed safe. Lapis also didn't want to stay locked in the temple while having to wait for your return. But she understood that as the general of the military forces of homeworld, you couldn't always give yourself the freedom to ignore your duties.

Right now, Lapis and Ash were alone in the temple's throne chamber. Ash was telling Lapis that even if she was your personal pearl, she knew nothing about you other than the stories told about your triumphs. In fact, Ash has known you for a couple of months! That's like not time at all to get to know someone with such a history like you do!

Lapis: So you and Onyx met a short time ago?

Ash: That's correct. 

Lapis:  And what did you felt the first time you met Onyx?

Ash: To be honest, I felt scared but at the same time I was excited. The stories I had heard about Master Onyx's brutality made me nervous. But at the same time, this was my chance to work for with a living legend. 

Lapis: The war of the undead was what made Onyx famous, Right?

Ash: Do you now the story?

Lapis: I only know the result of that war. I never heard the full story.

Ash: Then allow me to tell you the victory that made Master Onyx become the general of the military forces of homeworld.

(The war)(Ash narration)

Many decades ago, there was a planet within our stellar maps that was full of resources to create the best and most efficient kindergarten in this era. Our explorers assured us that there was no type of organic life form on the surface of the planet. But it turns out that the planet was full of hostile creatures that had already died. For some reason, these hostile creatures had no vital signs but continued to move. In appearance, these creatures seemed to be of the humanoid type. But their bodies followed the process of organic decomposition. In short, these creatures were organic beings that had already died but were still decomposing and moving. Those... "things" attacked our soldiers day after day without rest, without showing any sign of fear or mercy. Their weapons were simple. They were only armed with weapons such as swords or hammers. But despite having a simple weaponry, these creatures outnumbered our soldiers. No matter how many of those things we have destroyed, they always came back again and again. Due to the constant attacks of these monsters, we were unable to build anything. The only option we had if we wanted to build a colony on that planet, was to destroy those creatures once and for all. That's where my master started participating in that war. 

The orders that my master had received were very simple. Eliminate the creatures and ensure the construction of the colony. It took a while and cost us many sacrifices. But after a long time, we managed to build a fortress which we could use as a strategic point against those things. But it was no surprise that those monsters attacked that fortress. The walls had been demolished, our troops were retreating in an attempt to take refuge within the walls of the castle. But then, Onyx jumped from the top of the fortress, landing in the center of the horde of those creatures. Those monsters pounced on him like the wild beasts they were. But in an explosion of flames, Onyx emerged from the remains of those creatures and stood firm against that army of undead. All the gems of the place were watching my master. But the words that Onyx shouted, were words that remained in the minds of each soldier that day.

Onyx: FOR HOMEWORLD!

After shouting those words, Onyx took a broken banner with the symbol of the diamonds and he charged alone against the enemy army. The soldiers found not only a new motivation, they had found a new leader to follow that day. Each quartz soldier who was returning inside the fortress followed Onyx's example and went back to the battle. Our army was outnumbered, but our enemies were outmatched. Those things didn't have a leader, they didn't have an inspiration, they didn't have a reason to fight in that war. My master was still at the front in the battle. He was leading our counterattack! But no matter what, he didn't dropped our banner!

Onyx: Push forward!

Nobody knows how many enemies Onyx defeated that day or how many soldiers we lost. What each gem remembers that day, is that a legend was born. And thanks to that legend, we managed to defeat an army that seemed invincible...

(No ones POV)(End of the narration)

Lapis: Wow...

Ash: After that achievement, everyone knew how powerful Onyx was.

Lapis: This war seems like a story for rubies compared to that one.

Ash: And even so, I'm sure that master Onyx will end this absurd rebellion.

Lapis: Yeah! I hope this ends soon.

(With Onyx)

You were in the ruins of the temple where you fought against Rose Quartz. Rose AKA Pink was standing in front of you while waiting for an answer. 

Onyx: I'm not going to help you.

Rose: What? But the earth-

Onyx: I know what the earth means to you. But I want you to understand that I simply can't do it! Each one of those gems that you face are just innocent soldiers believing they are doing the right thing, they have no idea of the truth behind this war!

Rose: I understand that you do not want to hurt your friends. But nobody in my army shatters other gems.

Onyx: Really? Recently three of your soldiers tried to shatter me! If it weren't because Lapis saved me, we probably wouldn't be having this conversation.

Rose: My soldiers? What... What did you do with them?

Onyx: I was merciful with them and I put them into bubbles. 

Rose: Oh... I see... Is there an opportunity for you to let them go?

Onyx: After what they did, I can't just let them go. It would only endanger my safety and the safety of my soldiers. At the moment, the only thing I can promise you is that my troops are not going to attack your army. But I only can buy some time with this "crystal gem problem".

Rose: I appreciate that you're going to keep your soldiers away from mine. Really, thank you very much. But I can't abandon my cause to protect the earth! The life of this planet deserves an opportunity and I will not allow us to ruin it!

Onyx: Then look for a solution that doesn't require continuing this war! You are a diamond, try talking to the other diamonds!

Rose: I already did. But Blue and Yellow doesn't about what happens to this world.

Onyx: Then what are you going to do?

Rose: I don't know... Something stupid probably.

Onyx: Whatever you do-

You turned around and started to leave. You really didn't have any reason to stay there. You couldn't help Rose, but you couldn't continue ignoring her actions forever either. Eventually, Yellow will order you to destroy the crystal gems once and for all.

Onyx: Try to end this war before I have to do it.

A general with a terrible burden on his shoulders. Sooner or later, the call of duty will come. But when the call arrives... A decision will have to be made... The true question for the future is the sacrifice of many or the sacrifice of one?